Recommended Western music for men in their 50s: world classics and popular songs

Wish You Were HerePink Floyd

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here

A renowned ballad included on the 1975 album “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, one of the bands that epitomize progressive rock.

Its pop-leaning melodies and arrangements reminiscent of the Beatles, along with delicately layered sonics, combine with a beautiful, majestic tune to create a masterpiece that truly moves the heart.

Maggie MayRod Stewart

Rod Stewart – Maggie May (Lyrics)

One of the signature songs by Rod Stewart, a British singer who captivates many music fans with his distinctive husky voice.

Released in 1971, the song reached number one on the UK charts and also became a hit in the United States.

The lyrics depict a man’s heart torn by a painful romance with an older woman, yet the song’s breezy, pop sensibility is also part of its appeal.

Fool To CryThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Fool To Cry – OFFICIAL PROMO

A hidden gem of a ballad by The Rolling Stones, featured on their 1976 album Black and Blue.

The conversation between a crying father and his young daughter depicted in the song is heartbreakingly poignant.

Released as a single, it became a hit, reaching No.

4 in the UK and No.

10 in the US charts.

I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

7. Jackson 5 – I Want You Back

It was also used as an insert song in the film Guardians of the Galaxy, which is filled with hit songs from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.

If you want to spend your 40th birthday happily, this track—featuring Michael Jackson’s cute vocals—is highly recommended.

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – True Colors (Official HD Video)

When it comes to hit songs from the ’80s, her presence is indispensable.

Thanks to its lyrics, the song has also been embraced as an anthem for the LGBTQ rights movement.

For a 50th birthday, it might be nice to reminisce about your youth.

SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)

Perfect for those born in September.

This is the piece gifted by a young Black man to a white, classical-music-loving billionaire on his birthday in the film “The Intouchables.” For a 50th birthday, it might be nice to host a home party inspired by that iconic scene from the movie.

FootlooseKenny Loggins

Footloose – Kenny Loggins

If you’re in your 50s and want to recapture the feeling of your youth, how about the theme song from the 1984 film Footloose? You probably hear it on TV a lot, too.

Give it a listen on headphones for the first time in a while—you might just feel younger again.